Mackson keeps 'em motivated at Titan Alternative High School

John Mackson, science teacher at Titan Alternative High School, is more than just an inspiration to his students. At times, he's a teammate.

Mackson doubles as the head coach of the University of Michigan-Dearborn men's basketball team. He took over the program in 2011-12, after coaching at Kennedy High School for five seasons, compiling an overall 74-40 record -- 53-19 over his last three seasons leading the Eagles.

Mackson's Kennedy teams twice won conference titles and also finished second. In 2010, he led Kennedy to a regional title and a quarterfinal appearance, setting a school single-season wins record at 21.

Following that record-breaking season, Mackson was named Region 1 High School Coach of the Year by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan and Metro Coach of the Year by the Free Press. He was selected coach of the year by The News-Herald three straight seasons.

Mackson also coached jayvee basketball, girls basketball and boys track during his tenure at Kennedy after a short stint as an assistant coach on the Oakland University staff.

He's front a long line of coaches: His grandfather, John Benington, was the head coach at Michigan State from 1965-69 and also coached at St. Louis and Drake; his mom, Joan, was the girls' basketball coach at Pinconning High School from 1996-2001.

Mackson helps Titan students with the game by teaching a basketball skills class. He jumps right in and plays with the students, who love it when their teacher directly participates in the activities.

Titan staffers can't say enough about Mackson, who helps keep students motivated.